Needle changing device and method

ABSTRACT

Needle changing devices and methods of changing needles in stitching machines are provided. The devices can include a body having a plurality of substantially parallel channels formed therein. Each channel can be configured for holding a needle. The channels can have a top end portion beginning at a top surface and a bottom end portion beginning at a bottom surface of the body. The top end portions can have a greater width than the bottom end portions and can be recessed in the channels. With a plurality of needles held in the device, the needles can be positioned and secured in a stitching machine. Once the needles are secured, the device can be moved in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needles in the direction of the needle point, such that the needles are no longer held by the needle changing device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference, the entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/492,624, filed on Aug. 5, 2003.

BACKGROUND

(1) Field

Disclosed herein are needle changing devices and methods of using needle changing devices that increase the efficiency of changing needles in stitching machines.

(2) Description of Relevant Art

Making adjustments and modifications to manufacturing equipment can slow down the manufacturing process and result in less efficient and more costly manufacturing operations. Changing needles in stitching machines can have this effect. Making such adjustments and modifications easier and more efficient can result in costs savings and increased competitiveness.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are needle changing devices and methods of changing needles in stitching machines that can reduce the time that it takes to change needles in stitching machines.

In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for changing needles in a stitching machine can include a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The body can have a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The channels can be configured for holding a needle.

A portion of the each of the channels beginning at a top surface of the body has a greater width than abutting portions of the channel. The portions can have substantially circular cross-sections. The portions can extend from the top surface to the bottom surface, and can be positioned at respective bases of the channels. The width can decrease in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for changing needles in a stitching machine can include a body with a top surface and a bottom surface. The body can have a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The channels can have a top end portion beginning at the top surface and a bottom end portion beginning at the bottom surface. Each of the top end portions can have a greater width than the bottom end portions. The top end portions can be recessed in the channels and configured for holding one or more needles.

The top end portions can have a substantially circular cross-section, and can be located in the deepest locations of the channels, or at the respective bases of the channels. The width of each top end portion can decrease in a direction towards the bottom end portion.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for changing needles in a stitching machine can include the step of placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device. The needles can each have a longitudinal axis and a needle point. The needle changing device can include a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The body can have a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. After placing the needles in the needle changing device the needles can reside in the channels. The method can include the steps of positioning the needles in a stitching machine, securing the needles in the stitching machine, and moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the needles in the direction of the needle point, and moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the needles, whereby the needles no longer reside in the channels.

The channels can have a top end portion beginning at the top surface and a bottom end portion beginning at the bottom surface. Each top end portion can have a greater width than the bottom end portion, and can be recessed in the channel. The step of placing the needles in the needle changing device can include placing the needles in the top end portions.

Each of the channels can be configured to hold a needle, and the channel can be configured such that a portion of the channel beginning at the top surface has a greater width than abutting portions of the channels. The step of placing the needles in the needle changing device can include placing the needles in the portions of the channels having the greater width. The portions having the grater width can have substantially circular cross-sections.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for changing needles in a stitching machine can include the step of placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device. The needles can each have a longitudinal axis and a needle point. The needle changing device can include a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. After placing the needles in the needle changing device the needles are held in the channels. The method can include the steps of positioning the needles in a stitching machine, securing the needles in the stitching machine, and moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the needles in the direction of the needle point, whereby the needles are no longer held in the channels.

After placing the needles in the needle changing device the needles reside in the channels. The step of moving can include moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the needles, whereby the needles no longer reside in the channels. The channels can have a top end portion beginning at the top surface and a bottom end portion beginning at the bottom surface. Each top end portion can have a greater width than the bottom end portion, and can be recessed in the channel. The step of placing the needles in the needle changing device can include placing the needles in the top end portions.

Each of the channels can be configured such that a portion of the channel beginning at the top surface has a greater width than abutting portions of the channels. The step of placing the needles in the needle changing device can include placing the needles in the portions of the channels having the greater width. The portions having the grater width can have substantially circular cross-sections.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent hereinafter in view of the specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a needle changing device disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the needle changing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the needle changing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the needle changing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of a needle changing device disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of a needle changing device disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of a stitching needle.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a prior art method of changing needles in a stitching machine.

FIGS. 9-14 are perspective views of steps in a method of changing needles in a stitching machine as disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the needle changing devices and methods of use disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the needle changing devices and methods of use disclosed herein can be adapted and modified to provide devices and methods for other applications and that other additions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment or one drawing can be used on another embodiment or another drawing to yield yet another embodiment. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Apparatus:

An exemplary embodiment of a needle changing device is shown in FIGS. 1-5. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the exemplary embodiment of the needle changing device 100 includes a body 101 with a top surface 102 and a bottom surface 104, and a plurality of channels 106 extending from the top surface 102 to the bottom surface 104. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each channel has a top portion 110 beginning at the top surface and a bottom portion 112 beginning at the bottom surface.

The body 101 can be made in a variety of shapes and from a variety of materials. The top surface 102 and the bottom surface 104 of the body 101 are preferably rectangular. However, they could be circular, triangular, or any of a variety of shapes. Their shape may be selected based on the type of stitching machine with which the needle changing device 100 is intended to be used. The body 101 is preferably made of solid aluminum. However, a variety of materials can be used, such as plastic, steel, wood or other materials.

The channels 106 are preferably substantially parallel to one another. As shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3, the channels 106 are preferably substantially parallel along the axis of their depth, the depth being the distance beginning at the front surface 108 and continuing into the body 101 in the direction of the top portion 110 (as shown in FIG. 2) or the bottom portion 112 (as shown in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 4, the channels 106 are also preferably substantially parallel along their longitudinal axes, the longitudinal axes running in the direction defined by the channels 106 beginning at the top surface 102 of the body 101 and ending at the bottom surface 104 of the body 101.

The channels 106 are preferably configured to hold a needle. As shown in FIG. 7, a typical needle 114 is tapered having a varying cross-sectional diameter gradually becoming smaller until it reaches its tip 116. Other needles may only be tapered at a portion of the needle 114 near the tip 116. Other shapes and sizes of needles are known in the art, and the disclosed invention can be used with a wide variety of different needles.

Preferably, the top portions 110 of the channels 106 are configured to hold a needle so that when a needle is placed in the channel a portion of the needle resides above the top surface 102 of the body 101 and a portion of the needle resides below the bottom surface 104 of the body 101.

An exemplary embodiment of a top portion 110 of a channel 106 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The top portion 110 is preferably of varying circular cross-sectional diameter, the cross-sectional diameter being largest at the top surface 102 of the body 101. As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 4, in the exemplary embodiment the cross-sectional diameter of the top portion 110 linearly decreases. Although preferably the dimensions of the top portion 110 are configured to match the dimensions of the 114 needle with which the needle changing device 100 will be used, the configuration shown in FIG. 4 may be easier to manufacture and also may be compatible with a variety of needles.

The top portion 110 can have a variety of shapes. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the top portion 110 is of a constant circular cross-sectional diameter. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bottom portion 112 can have the same cross-sectional configuration as the top portion 110, though the cross-sectional configuration of the top portion 110 and the bottom portion 112 may differ, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

The cross-section of the top potion 110 could also be square, rectangular, oval, or another shape. Regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the top portion 110, the top portion 110 can be configured so that when a needle 114 is placed in the channel 106 there is a sufficient friction fit so that the needle 114 resides in the channel 106. Since needles are typically very light only a small frictional force is required to hold them in the channel 106, frictional contact between the top portion 110 and the needle need only occur in a small number of locations.

As shown in FIG. 2, the top portions 110 preferably reside in the deepest part, or base 120 of the channels 106. However, the top portions 110 may reside anywhere within the channels 106. It is preferable that the top portions 110 are not at the top of the channels 106, i.e. the shallowest part of the channels 106. Preferably, a width w of the channels 106, illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 and measured along the top surface 102 or bottom surface 104 transverse to the axis of the depth of the channels 106, is sufficient for a portion of a needle 114, generally nearer its tip 116, to pass into and out of the channel along the axis of the depth of the channels 106.

However, the width w of the channels 106 can be configured to be less than a dimension of the portion of the needles 114 residing between the top surface 102 and bottom surface 104 of the body 101, when the needles 114 are held by the top portions 110 of the channels 106. In this configuration, the smaller width w of the channels 106 can prevent the needles 114 from moving in a direction along the axis of the depth of the channels 106 and can serve as a guide for inserting the needles 114 into the channels 106. For example, in the configuration of FIGS. 5 and 6, the width w can be smaller than the diameter of the needle 114 adjacent its tip 116. Thus, insertion of the needle 114 into the channel 106 is limited to the circular cross-sectional area near base 120 of the channel 106.

Method:

FIG. 8 discloses a known method for securing needles in a stitching machine. An operator selects a needle 114, passes the tip 116 of the needle 114 through a guide 152, and secures the top end 118 of the needle 114 in a clamp 150 or other securing device. As shown in FIG. 8, one needle is secured at a time using a screwdriver, which can be time consuming and inefficient. It can also result in dropped needles and injury.

An improved method of changing or securing needles in a stitching machine is disclosed herein, and a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed in FIGS. 9-14. The preferred embodiment includes the steps of (a) placing a plurality of needles 114 in a needle changing device 100, (b) positioning the needles 114 in a stitching machine 154, (c) securing the needles 114 in the stitching machine 154, and (d) releasing the needles 114 from the needle changing device 100 so that the needles 114 no longer reside in the needle changing device 100. Step (d) preferably involves moving the needle changing device 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the needles 114 in the direction of the needle tips 116, and then moving the needle changing device 100 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needles 114, so that the needles 114 no longer reside in the channels 106.

FIG. 9 shows a needle changing device 100 with needles 114 residing in each of the channels 106, and more particularly, residing in the top portions 110 of the channels 106. The top portions 110 of the channels 106 are configured to hold the needles 114 so that a portion of the needles 114 reside above the top surface 102 of the body 101 and a portion of the needles 114 reside below the bottom surface 104 of the body 101.

The needles are then positioned and secured in the needle changing device 100. As shown in FIG. 10, the tips 116 of the needles 114 are passed through the guides 152 in the stitching machine 154. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the top end 118 of the needles 114 are then positioned in the clamps 150, and the needles 114 are secured in the clamps 150. After each of the needles 114 are secured in the stitching machine 154, the needle changing device 100 is removed from the stitching machine 154.

As shown in FIG. 13, preferably the needle changing device 100 is first moved in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the needles 114, in the direction of the needle tip 116. This releases the needles 114 from the friction fit with the top portions 110. As shown in FIG. 14, preferably the needle changing device 100 is then moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needles 114, so that the needles 114 no longer reside in the channels 106, and the needle changing device 100 is no longer in the stitching machine 154.

This method can be used in a wide variety of stitching machines with minor modifications made by those skilled in the art. For example, there are a wide variety of clamps and other securing devices for securing needles in stitching machines, and the invention described herein is not limited to any type of clamp or other securing device. Also, some machines, such as the one shown in FIG. 8, have needle guides 152, but others do not. This invention is not limited to machines with needle guides or any particular stitching method or system whether now known or hereinafter made.

Many additional changes in the details, materials, and arrangement of parts, herein described and illustrated, can be made by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it will be understood that the following claims are not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, can include practices otherwise than specifically described, and are to be interpreted as broadly as allowed under the law. 

1. An apparatus for changing needles in a stitching machine, comprising a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, said body having a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, said channels having a top end portion beginning at the top surface and a bottom end portion beginning at the bottom surface, each of said top end portions having a greater width than the bottom end portions, said top end portions being recessed in the channels.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each said top end portions are configured for holding at least one needle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top end portions have a substantially circular cross-section.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said channels have a deepest location, and said top end portions are located at the deepest locations of said channels.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top end portions are located at respective bases of said channels.
 6. The apparatus of claims 1, wherein the width of each of said top end portions decreases in a direction towards said bottom end portions.
 7. An apparatus for changing needles in a stitching machine, comprising a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, said body having a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, said channels being configured for holding a needle.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said channel configuration includes a portion of said channels beginning on the top surface of the body having a greater width than abutting portions of said channels.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said portions of said channels have substantially circular cross-sections.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said portions of said channels extend from said top surface to said bottom surface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said portions are positioned at respective bases of said channels.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said width decreases in a direction from said top surface to said bottom surface.
 13. A method for changing needles in a stitching machine, comprising the steps of: (A) placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device, each needle having a longitudinal axis and a needle point, the needle changing device comprising a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, said body having a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, whereby after placing the needles in the needle changing device the needles reside in said channels; (B) positioning the needles in a stitching machine; (C) securing the needles in the stitching machine; (D) moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially parallel to longitudinal axes of the needles in the direction of the needle point; (E) moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the needles, whereby the needles no longer reside in the channels.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said channels have a top end portion beginning at the top surface and a bottom end portion beginning at the bottom surface, each of said top end portions having a greater width than the bottom end portions, said top end portions being recessed in the channels, and the step of placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device further includes placing said plurality of needles in said top end portions.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein each of said channels are configured for holding a needle.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said channel configuration includes a portion of said channels beginning on the top surface of the body having a greater width than abutting portions of said channels, and the step of placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device further includes placing said plurality of needles in said portions of said channels having greater widths.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said portions of said channels having greater widths have substantially circular cross-sections.
 18. A method for changing needles in a stitching machine, comprising the steps of: (A) placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device, each needle having a longitudinal axis and a needle point, the needle changing device comprising a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, said body having a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, whereby after placing the needles in the needle changing device the needles are held in said channels; (B) positioning the needles in a stitching machine; (C) securing the needles in the stitching machine; (D) moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially parallel to longitudinal axes of the needles in the direction of the needle point, whereby the needles are no longer held by said channels.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein, after placing the needles in the needle changing device the needles reside in said channels, and the step of moving includes moving the needle changing device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the needles, whereby the needles no longer reside in the channels.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said channels have a top end portion beginning at the top surface and a bottom end portion beginning at the bottom surface, each of said top end portions having a greater width than the bottom end portions, said top end portions being recessed in the channels, and the step of placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device further includes placing said plurality of needles in said top end portions.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein said channel configuration includes a portion of said channels beginning on the top surface of the body having a greater width than abutting portions of said channels, and the step of placing a plurality of needles into a needle changing device further includes placing said plurality of needles in said portions of said channels having greater widths.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said portions of said channels having greater widths have substantially circular cross-sections. 